Good news, “Downton Abbey” fans: the show has been renewed for a fifth season before season 4 even airs in the U.S.

The series aired across the pond earlier this fall, with the season finale airing Sunday night in the U.K.

“Downton” will also air its annual Christmas special, with this season’s episode set to introduce Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti as Harold, Lady Grantham’s “maverick playboy” brother, according to the BBC.

The special also marks the return of Martha Levinson, played by the great Shirley MacLaine.

“We promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy,” executive producer Gareth Neame said in the press release.

Once again, the new season is scheduled to first air in the U.K. next fall before airing stateside in early 2015.

Season 4 of “Downton Abbey” will begin its run on PBS starting January 5, 2014. Will you be tuning in? Sound off on the new season in the comments!